Police ID pedestrian, driver in nonfatal Arcata accident

The pedestrian struck by a car on the 4700 block of West End Road in Arcata was identified Friday as Eureka resident Jeremy Vadakin, 37.

Vadakin was hit by Arcata resident Trevor Sells, 19, Thursday afternoon after Sells drifted to the right side of the roadway for unknown reasons, striking Vadakin from behind, according to an Arcata Police Department press release.

After Vadakin was hit, Sells lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree along the east side of West End Road. It is estimated that Sells was driving between 35 and 40 miles per hour when he struck Vadakin, the release said.

When APD officers arrived on scene, they found Vadakin on the east side of the roadway suffering from major injuries. He was first transported to Mad River Community Hospital before being transferred to St. Joseph Hospital for further treatment. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, according to the release.

Sells' father and younger brother were passengers in the car. All three occupants sustained minor injuries, which did not require medical attention.